Design of computer aided automatic system fixator and analysis of the effect of biomaterials on the design

The skeletal structure, which shapes the human body and enables movement, plays a critical role in performing essential life functions. However, bones are susceptible to fractures caused by external forces such as falls, impacts, twists, or excessive loading. Following a fracture, the disruption of bone integrity can lead to mobility limitations, the inability to perform daily activities, and even a significant decline in quality of life. Therefore, ensuring the proper healing of bones and their restoration to a load-bearing state is of great importance. Fixator devices are commonly used to support the healing process and promote proper bone union. By maintaining correct alignment of the bones, fixators create a stable environment during the healing process. They are also employed in procedures such as correcting bone deformities or lengthening bones through a process known as distraction osteogenesis. Distraction osteogenesis is a surgical technique that facilitates the lengthening and reshaping of bones. However, the use of manually operated fixators has limitations, including application errors, user-dependent performance variations, and a loss of precision over prolonged treatment durations. These challenges make it difficult to consistently maintain the stability of bone fragments. Consequently, there is a growing need for an alternative to manual fixators in the form of more precise and user-independent automated systems. This study focuses on the design of an automated fixator as an alternative to manual systems, specifically for ensuring the stability of bone fragments during distraction osteogenesis applied to the femur. The designs were created using SolidWorks 2021 software, and static analyses under various loading scenarios were conducted using ANSYS 2023 R1 software. The geometric and material properties of both the femur bone and the fixator were considered in the analyses. The obtained data were utilized to evaluate the integration efficiency of the fixator with the femur, its load-bearing capacity, and potential structural weaknesses. The results indicate that the newly designed fixator system increases the success rate in procedures such as correcting bone deformities or lengthening compared to manual systems, achieving a 16.40% improvement.